NBA PLAYOFFS-SCHEDULE
Wizards and Rockets look for big lead
UNDATED (AP) — The Washington Wizards hope to benefit from the home court advantage they won by taking the first two games of their NBA playoff series with Toronto. The Raptors, who won the Atlantic Division, opened the series with the home court but lost both games in Toronto. Now, this evening, the Wizards look to take a 3-0 lead knowing that Game 4 will take place in their building this Sunday.
Houston’s Rockets also have a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff with Dallas. Tonight, in the Big D, the Rockets look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in that best-of-seven affair. And keep in mind the home team will be playing without guard Rajon Rondo (RAH’-zhahn RAHN’-doh), who was benched by the team a few days ago.
The final game of the night has the Spurs playing host to the Clippers after they split the opening two games in L.A.
NHL PLAYOFFS-SCHEDULE
Two more teams can advance to round 2
UNDATED (AP) — The Canadiens and Rangers can advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a win this evening. The Canadiens are playing host to Ottawa tonight with a 3-1 lead in their series. At the same time the Rangers, who lead the Penguins 3-1, will play host in tonight’s fifth game.
The remaining game of the night features the Wild and Blues in St. Louis. The series is tied at 2-2.
MLB-SCHEDULE
Mets got cross town for No. 12
UNDATED (AP) — The New York Mets are the talk of baseball as they are riding an 11-game winning streak. That streak equals the club’s all-time record and tonight they’ll be going for No. 12 against their in-city foes, the Yankees. The pitching matchup for tonight’s game in the Bronx features a pair of two-game winners. Jacob deGrom goes for the visitors against Michael Pineda (pah-NAY’-duh) of the Bombers. This is the only interleague game of the night.
In the American League, Detroit’s Shane Green is going for his fourth win of the season against no defeats. He and the rest of the Tigers are playing host to Cleveland. The Red Sox are in Baltimore to play the Orioles, the White Sox are entertaining the Royals, Houston is playing in Oakland, it’s Texas in Anaheim to play the Angels and Seattle is home to Minnesota. Phil Hughes of the Twins is winless in three decisions.
In National League games, Mat Latos (LAY’-tohs) of the Marlins goes for his first win of the season after three losses. The former Cincinnati star is on the mound at home against Washington. The Braves are in Philadelphia while the Reds host the Cubs, the Cards are in Milwaukee, Colorado is entertaining the Giants, Pittsburgh is playing at Arizona and the Dodgers are farther south in Southern California for a date with the Padres.
PGA-ZURICH CLASSIC
Round 2 action today
AVONDALE, La. (AP) — The second round of the PGA’s Zurich Classic is being played today in Avondale, Louisiana. The lead was shared by Boo Weekley and Brendon de Jonge (deh-YAHNG’) at the end of play yesterday at 8-under as each shot a 64. That gave them a one-shot lead over David Hearn and Sean O’Hair.
LPGA-SWINGING SKIRTS
Women’s tour is in California
DALE CITY, Calif. (AP) — Lydia Ko, the top-ranked player in the world, stands in first place after 18 holes of the LPGA’s Swinging Skirts tournament in Dale City, California. The 17-year-old holds a one-stroke lead over three others, including 54-year-old Juli Inkster. Stacy Lewis, last year’s runner-up to Ko in this event, begins the day two strokes back at 3 under.
NASCAR
Qualifying this evening
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The qualifying is taking place early this evening for Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. The 300-mile race will cover 400 laps on the track.
The defending champion is Joey Logano, who was the winner of five races last year. Last week’s winner was Matt Kenseth, who ended a 51-event winless draught.